Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO2/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels for pH-sensitive photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants

Poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared using radical polymerization and condensation reaction for the photocatalytic treatment of waste water. Graphene oxide was used as an additive to improve the photocatalytic activity of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂ nanocomposite hydrogels. Both TiO₂ and graphene oxide were immobilized in poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid) hydrogel matrix for an easier recovery after the waste water treatment. The photocatalytic activity of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels was evaluated on the base of the degradation of pollutants by using UV spectrometer. The improved removal of pollutants was due to the two-step mechanism based on the adsorption of pollutants by nanocomposite hydrogel and the effective decomposition of pollutants by TiO₂ and graphene oxide. The highest swelling of nanocomposite hydrogel was observed at pH 10 indicating that poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(acrylic acid)/TiO₂/graphene oxide nanocomposite hydrogels were suitable as a promising system for the treatment of basic waste water.     

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase

Mesoporous nanocrystalline anatase was prepared via EISA employing P123 and CTAB as structure directing agents. The resultant mesoporous crystalline phases exhibited specific surface areas as high as ∼150 m² g⁻¹, average unimodal pore sizes of ∼3 nm and ∼6 nm, and average crystallite size of ∼10 nm; and were used as photocatalysts for the UV degradation of methylene blue, methyl orange, methyl red and rhodamine 6G. The mesoporous anatase phases photodegraded MB, MO and MR ∼2–3 times faster than conventional nanocrystalline anatase and showed limited photocatalytic activity for rhodamine 6G.     

TiO2 thin films for dyes photodegradation

The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of the TiO₂ specific surface (powder, film) on the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange. Porous TiO₂ films were deposited on transparent conducting oxide substrates by spray pyrolysis deposition. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electronic Microscopy, and the UV-Vis spectroscopy. The XRD spectra of nanoporous TiO₂ films revealed an anatase, crystalline structure that is known as the most suitable structure in photocatalysis. The average thickness of the films was 260 nm and the measured band gap is 3.44 eV. The influence of the operational parameters (dye concentration, contact time) on the degradation rate of the dye on TiO₂ was examined. There were calculated the kinetic parameters and the process efficiency. Using thin films of TiO₂ is technologically recommended but raises problems due to lowering the amount of catalyst available for the dye degradation.     

Photocatalytic degradation of dyes and organic contaminants in water using nanocrystalline anatase and rutile TiO2

Nanocrystalline TiO₂ was synthesized by controlled hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide. The anatase phase was converted to rutile phase by thermal treatment at 1023 K for 11 h. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), Fourier-transform infrared absorption spectrophotometry (FT-IR) and N₂ adsorption (BET) at 77 K. This study compare the photocatalytic activity of the anatase and rutile phases of nanocrystalline TiO₂ for the degradation of acetophenone, nitrobenzene, methylene blue and malachite green present in aqueous solutions. The initial rate of degradation was calculated to compare the photocatalytic activity of anatase and rutile nanocrystalline TiO₂ for the degradation of different substances under ultraviolet light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic activity was obtained in anatase phase TiO₂ for the degradation of all substances as compared with rutile phase. It is concluded that the higher photocatalytic activity in anatase TiO₂ is due to parameters like band-gap, number of hydroxyl groups, surface area and porosity of the catalyst.     

Copper phthalocyanine thin-film field-effect transistor with SiO2/Ta2O5/SiO2 multilayer insulator

Top-contact Copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) thin-film field-effect transistor (TFT) with SiO₂/Ta₂O₅/SiO₂ (STS) multilayer as the dielectric was fabricated and investigated. With the multi-layer dielectric, drive voltage was remarkably reduced. A relatively large on-current of 1.1 × 10⁻⁷ A at a V_GS of −15 V was obtained due to the strong coupling capability provided by the STS multilayer gate insulator. The device shows a moderate performance: saturation mobility of μ_sat = 6.12 × 10⁻⁴ cm²/V s, on-current to off-current ratio of I_on/I_off = 1.1 × 10³, threshold voltage of V_TH = −3.2 V and sub-threshold swing SS = 1.6 V/dec. Atomic force microscope images show that the STS multilayer has a relative smooth surface. Experiment results indicate that STS multilayer is a promising insulator for the low drive voltage CuPc-based TFTs.     

Controllable synthesis of monodisperse Mn3O4 and Mn2O3 nanostructures via a solvothermal route

A facile one-step solvothermal route was developed to synthesize monodisperse Mn₃O₄ and Mn₂O₃ nanostructures with the introduction of poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone)/stearic acid (PVP/SA) mixture. H₂O₂ played a key role in the determination of the products Mn₃O₄ and Mn₂O₃. The synthesis parameters for nanostructured MnO_x such as surfactant and reaction time were investigated, along with their influences on morphology and composition. The morphology evolution of the Mn₃O₄ and Mn₂O₃ reveals that the nanostructures formed via two distinct mechanisms of nucleation and growth of nanocrystals.     

In situ synthesis of SnO2/graphene nanocomposite and their application as anode material for lithium ion battery

SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite was prepared via an in situ chemical synthesis method. The nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, filed emission scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, which revealed that tiny SnO₂ nanoparticles could be homogeneously distributed on the graphene matrix. The electrochemical performance of the SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite as anode material was measured by galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. The SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite showed a reversible capacity of 665 mAh/g after 50 cycles and an excellent cycling performance for lithium ion battery, which was ascribed to the three-dimensional architecture of SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite. These results suggest that SnO₂/graphene nanocomposite would be a promising anode material for lithium ion battery.     

Phase diagram of the Mn2O3Cr2O3 system in air

The phase diagram of the Mn₂O₃-Cr₂O₃ system in air within the temperature range of 1100 – 1620 K was determined by means of X-ray measurement of annealed samples. The results of the chemical analysis were employed to the estimation of the solubility of manganese ions in chromium sesquioxide.     

氧化石墨烯/H2O2可见光催化性能影响因素

为了研究氧化石墨烯/H₂O₂可见光催化处理含难降解有机物废水影响因素,用改进的Hummers法制备了氧化石墨烯(GO),通过扫描电镜(SEM)、电子能谱(EDS)、拉曼光谱对GO的微观形貌、成分及结构进行了表征.以甲基橙(MO)为难降解有机物代表,通过改变光照、pH值以及GO的量探究了不同条件对GO/H₂O₂复合试剂降解甲基橙的光催化效果.研究表明：GO/H₂O₂复合试剂可以通过光催化产生羟基自由基降解污染物,通过改变光照、pH值及GO的量增加自由基含量可提升催化效果; 采用GO/H₂O₂复合试剂比单独使用H₂O₂在48 h内对甲基橙的降解率可提高79.09%(pH=2).用改良的Hummers法制备GO成本较低,采用GO/H₂O₂复合试剂光催化降解甲基橙时,GO用量较少,且不产生危险废弃物,为实际应用中处理难降解有机物污水提供了一个绿色环保、节能高效的思路.     

Sepiolite/Cu2O/Cu photocatalyst: Preparation and high performance for degradation of organic dye

A novel ternary sepiolite/Cu₂O/Cu (SCC) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized by a facile one-pot method. The Cu₂O/Cu nanoparticles in the SCC nanocomposite are well dispersed on the sepiolite surface. It exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance in the degradation of congo red (CR), remarkably superior to that of Cu₂O or Cu₂O/Cu nanoparticles. Elemental copper in the SCC serves as a good electron acceptor to promote the transfer of photo-generated electrons in Cu2O and suppress the recombination of the photo-generated electrons and holes of the composite. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect of sepiolite and Cu₂O/Cu. This type of SCC nanocomposites is a promising candidate as photocatalytic material for environmental protection.     

One-pot solvothermal synthesis of sandwich-like graphene nanosheets/Fe3O4 hybrid material and its microwave electromagnetic properties

A novel sandwich-like graphene nanosheets (GNs)/Fe₃O₄ hybrid material was synthesized through a facile one-pot solvothermal method using FeCl₃ as iron source, ethylene glycol as the reducing agent and graphene nanosheets as templates. The Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, with the average diameters of ca. 40 nm, were self-assembled on the graphene nanosheets through electrostatic attraction and formed sandwich-like nanostructure. The ferromagnetic signature emerged with the saturated magnetization of ~ 72.3 emu g^− 1, and the coercive force of ~ 196.1 Oe at 300 K. The magnetic loss was caused mainly by natural resonance which is in agreement with the Kittel equation. The novel electromagnetic hybrid material is believed to have potential applications in the microwave absorbing performances.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline manganese pyrophosphate Mn2P2O7

Mn₂P₂O₇ polyhedral particles were synthesized by simple and cost-effective method using manganese nitrate hydrate and phosphoric acid in the presence of nitric acid with further calcinations at the temperature of 800 °C. The crystallite size obtained from X-ray line broadening is 31 ± 13 nm for the Mn₂P₂O₇. The X-ray diffraction and SEM results indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles have only the structure without the presence of any other phase impurities. The FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra show characteristic bands of the P₂O₇⁴⁻ anion. The UV–Vis–NIR spectrum confirms the octahedral coordination of Mn²⁺ ion.     

Effect of doping with Co2O3, TiO2, Fe2O3, and Mn2O3 on the properties of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2?δ

The effects of Co, Fe, Mn, and Ti oxide additions on the sinterability and crystal-chemical, thermal, and electrical properties of Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_2−δ have been studied. The results indicate that these oxides enhance the sinterability of the mixed oxide, regardless of whether they were introduced before or after synthesis. The most effective sintering aid is Co₂O₃. The lattice parameters of Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_2−δ samples containing different metal oxide additions (1 mol %) are refined in space group Fm3m. The temperature-dependent thermal expansion data are used to determine the linear thermal expansion coefficients of the samples. Manganese oxide additions reduce the electrical conductivity of Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_2−δ, whereas the other dopants increase it in the order Ti < Fe < Co. The activation energy for conduction increases in the order Co < Ti < Fe < Mn. Original Russian Text ? E.Yu. Pikalova, A.N. Demina, A.K. Demin, A.A. Murashkina, V.E. Sopemikov, N.O. Esina, 2007, published in Neorganicheskie Material, 2007, Vol. 43, No. 7, pp. 830–837.     

Transparent Ga and Zn co-doped In2O3 electrode prepared by co-sputtering of Ga:In2O3 and Zn:In2O3 targets at room temperature

This study examined the characteristics of Ga:In₂O₃ (IGO) co-sputtered Zn:In₂O₃ (IZO) films prepared by dual target direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering at room temperature in a pure Ar atmosphere for transparent electrodes in IGZO-based TFTs. Electrical, optical, structural and surface properties of Ga and Zn co-doped In₂O₃ (IGZO) electrodes were investigated as a function of IGO and IZO target DC power during the co-sputtering process. Unlike semiconducting InGaZnO₄ films, which were widely used as a channel layer in the oxide TFTs, the co-sputtered IGZO films showed a high transmittance (91.84%) and low resistivity (4.1 × 10^− 4 Ω cm) at optimized DC power of the IGO and IZO targets, due to low atomic percent of Ga and Zn elements. Furthermore, the IGO co-sputtered IZO films showed a very smooth and featureless surface and an amorphous structure regardless of the IGO and IZO DC power due to the room temperature sputtering process. This indicates that co-sputtered IGZO films are a promising S/D electrode in the IGZO-based TFTs due to their low resistivity, high transmittance and same elements with channel InGaZnO₄ layer.     

Combination of MoS2 nanopetals with Ag nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide for boosting photocatalytic abatement of recalcitrant pollutants under visible light irradiation

Herein, various weight ratios (1:1, 1:3, and 3:1) of MoS₂/GO composites decorated with Ag nanoparticles (named as MAG) have been prepared by microwave-assisted route. XRD and XPS investigations indicated the catalyst crystallinity and elemental oxidation states. Morphological analysis revealed presence of small MoS₂ nanopetals scattered on GO sheets with Ag NPs dispersed on surface whereas BET-analysis disclosed its excellent surface area (～88 m²/g). Optical properties of MAG catalysts revealed that they were highly visible-light active, with a bandgap of 2.15 eV and a lower charge recombination rate. Excellent efficiency was observed for TC (90.7%; 0.0186 min^?1) and FIP-degradation (85.2%; 0.0177 min^?1) with 4 mg MAG (3:1) catalyst at neutral pH under visible-light irradiation owing to high synergistic interaction (～2.21) in the composite. Effects of catalyst amount, pH, and effective area of illumination on degradation were investigated. High reusable nature of the catalyst (65% (TC) and 58% (FIP) efficiency after 5 cycles) was supported by post-photocatalytic characterization studies. Photodegradation products of TC were determined via LC-MS studies. Holes and hydroxyl radicals were majorly involved in degradation process revealed by trapping studies. High COD (70.4%) and TOC (55.1%) removal rates confirm high photo-mineralization of real-wastewater without any pre-treatment. The current investigation, combined with comparative literature, illustrates real-world potential of MAG catalysts for eradication of resistant pollutants.     

Effect of SnO2 on the photocatalytical properties of TiO2 films

TiO₂/SnO₂ thin films with different tin atomic percentages were successfully prepared on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis method from an alcoholic solution of TiO[C₅H₇O₂]₂ with different concentrations of SnCl₄. The TiO₂/SnO₂ thin films prepared at 450 °C presented the anatase phase in polycrystalline configuration from %Sn = 0 in the starting solution up to %Sn = 20, at higher tin content the films present an amorphous configuration. The resulting thin films have a homogeneous surface structure with some porosity. The photocatalytical properties of the films were evaluated with the degradation of methylene blue. The products of the degradation reaction were identified by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance and the film properties were studied by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.     

TiO2 coated SnO2 nanosheet films for dye-sensitized solar cells

TiO₂-coated SnO₂ nanosheet (TiO₂-SnO₂ NS) films about 300 nm in thickness were fabricated on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass by a two-step process with facile solution-grown approach and subsequent hydrolysis of TiCl₄ aqueous solution. The as-prepared TiO₂-SnO₂ NSs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The performances of the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) with TiO₂-SnO₂ NSs were analyzed by current-voltage measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Experimental results show that the introduction of TiO₂-SnO₂ NSs can provide an efficient electron transition channel along the SnO₂ nanosheets, increase the short current density, and finally improve the conversion efficiency for the DSCs from 4.52 to 5.71%.     

The enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of nanosheet-like Bi2WO6 obtained by acid treatment for the degradation of rhodamine B

Bi₂WO₆ samples were fabricated by chemical solution decomposition (CSD) method and nanosheet-like Bi₂WO₆ samples could be obtained by concentrated nitric acid treatment at 70 °C for 20 min. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra. Photocatalytic activities of the samples were evaluated by the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The temperature of acid treatment obviously influenced morphology and the visible light photocatalytic activity of the Bi₂WO₆ samples. The nanosheet-like Bi₂WO₆ photocatalysts obtained by acid treatment exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.     

Preparation and studies of Eu and Tb co-doped Gd2O3 and Y2O3 sol-gel scintillating films

Eu³⁺ (2.5 at.%) and Tb³⁺ (0.005-0.01 at.%) co-doped gadolinium and yttrium oxide (Gd₂O₃ and Y₂O₃) powders and films have been prepared using the sol-gel process. High density and optical quality thin films were prepared with the dip-coating technique. Gadolinium (III) 2,4-pentadionate and yttrium (III) 2,4-pentadionate were used as precursors, and europium and terbium in their nitrate forms were used as doping agents. Chemical and structural analyses (infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) were conducted on both sol-gel precursor powders and dip-coated films. The morphology of thin films heat-treated at 700 °C was studied by means of atomic force microscopy. It was shown that the highly dense and very smooth films had a root mean roughness (RMS) of 2 nm ± 0.2 (A = 0.0075 Tb³⁺) and 24 nm ± 3.0 (B = 0.01 Tb³⁺). After treatment at 700 °C, the crystallized films were in the cubic phase and presented a polycrystalline structure made up of randomly oriented crystallites with grain sizes varying from 20 to 60 nm. The X-ray induced emission spectra of Eu³⁺- and Tb³⁺-doped Gd₂O₃ and Y₂O₃ powders showed that Tb³⁺ contents of 0.005, 0.0075 and 0.01 at.% affected their optical properties. Lower Tb³⁺ concentrations (down to 0.005 at.%) in both systems enhanced the light yield.     

Magnetocapacitance in BaTiO3-CoFe2O4 nanocomposites

We report on the magnetoelectric characterization of epitaxial CoFe₂O₄-BaTiO₃ nanocomposites grown by rf sputtering on Nb-doped SrTiO₃ (001). Multiferroicity of the material is corroborated with both, ferroelectric and ferromagnetic hysteresis loops. Magnetoelectric coupling is investigated via magnetocapacitance measurements; a change of the capacitance of about 2% is observed for an applied magnetic field of 8 T. The possible origins of this magnetocapacitance are discussed.